EXTRACT FROM A LETTER

The Rules and By-laws in the Manual of The First
Church of Christ, Scientist, Boston, originated not in
solemn conclave as in ancient Sanhedrim. They were
not arbitrary opinions nor dictatorial demands, such as
one person might impose on another. They were impelled
by a power not one's own, were written at different
dates, and as the occasion required. They sprang
from necessity, the logic of events, - from the immediate
demand for them as a help that must be supplied to
maintain the dignity and defense of our Cause; hence
their simple, scientific basis, and detail so requisite to
demonstrate genuine Christian Science, and which will
do for the race what absolute doctrines destined for future
generations might not accomplish.